"Hahahaha!" Laughter echoed throughout the spacious office, dispelling the gloomy atmosphere. "Great! What a show of jealousy! Well done! Wonderful! God is helping me!"
Newbigin slapped his hand heavily on the thick mahogany table, making a dull thud, but he paid it no mind. The silver losses! The overseas woes! At that moment, they were all overshadowed by the massive increase in value brought about by the soaring share price of Hong Kong Land!
He straightened his back, slightly hunched from days of worry. The previous sinister look in his eyes was replaced by the shrewd greed of a predator. He walked to the liquor cabinet and smoothly poured himself a full glass of whiskey. The ice cubes hit the glass with a crisp and pleasant sound, like the clinking of gold coins. The amber liquor reflected the dancing light in his eyes.
"Contact HSBC immediately!" Newbigin took a sip of his wine, the spicy taste rushing straight to his throat, igniting his excitement even more. "Tell them that the value of our collateral—that is, Hong Kong Land shares—has increased significantly and indisputably! We have every confidence in maintaining the security of our position! Based on this, Jardine Matheson requires immediate negotiations for additional working capital! We need to increase our loan!"
The secretary quickly wrote down the key points: "How much is the loan increase, sir?"
Newbigin swirled his glass, the amber liquid reflecting the sunlight streaming in from the window, igniting two flames in his eyes. His lips curled up once again in that triumphant smile: "Amount? Let them see the current stock price before we discuss! The loss of silver, and the other funds we need... all depend on this burning collateral! Go ahead! Move quickly! While this fire is still burning!"
The Hong Kong Hong Kong shares, the boulder that had weighed on his heart, nearly suffocating him, had suddenly transformed into a glittering gold mine. And the key to its discovery was the torch that Kobayashi Tenmo had inadvertently lit. It felt like a drowning man suddenly grasping a rope from heaven, escaping the disaster and finding a bright future.
On the other hand, in 1977, the Miss Hong Kong pageant entered its fifth year.
Although this competition hosted by TVB was not as mature and grand as the later ones in terms of scale and location shooting, it laid the foundation for the Miss Hong Kong pageant with its streamlined process and firm practice of the "beauty and wisdom" judging criteria. It also became a shining pearl in the history of beauty pageants because of its legendary champion, Rebecca Chu.
At this time, more than 20 contestants who emerged from the preliminary selection were gathering in the TVB building, preparing to undergo a month-long intensive training that would determine the turning point of their destiny.
The open space in front of the TVB building entrance was a clamorous miniature battlefield. Flashbulbs flashed like a continuous rainstorm, crackling and flickering, scorching the air with a restless fervor.
A group of paparazzi holding cameras and recorders were like sharks smelling blood, surrounding the figure who had just stepped out of a Mercedes-Benz.
Liu Rumeng, after the public competition for favor between two of Hong Kong's top young masters, Peter Ho and Kobayashi Tianwang, the name is no longer just associated with the identity of "Miss Hong Kong", but has been given a jaw-dropping magical halo - "a beauty who can make Hong Kong's financial industry take notice."
She was wearing a well-cut, finely textured off-white dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Her face was delicately painted with light makeup, and even under the blazing spotlight, she exuded a fresh, untainted elegance. However, at this moment, this very beauty had become her prison.
The reporters' questions were like dense arrows, stung with gossip, shooting at her head and face:
"Ms. Liu! Young Master Huo and Xiao Linsheng are fighting for you in the stock market. The whole city is watching. Who do you think is more worthy of you?"
"Miss Liu! Have you ever wondered why the two young masters have a special liking for you? Are you secretly dating one of them?"
"Ms. Liu, how do you feel about these two people making such a blatant display of affection? Do you feel flattered or even pressured?"
"Some people say you're too ambitious and you're not interested in two rich boys. Is that true? Is there an even more powerful Mr. Right out there?"
"Now that Hong Kong's stock price has risen above 100 because of you, Miss Liu, do you know that your smile is worth billions? What do you think about this?"
Each question was aggressive and pointed, attempting to pry open her tightly closed mouth and peek into the "wealthy family secrets" being hyped up by the media. Liu Rumeng was caught up in the surging crowd and cacophony of voices, and her steps seemed to be struggling. She could clearly feel the cameras almost pressing against her face, capturing every subtle change in her expression.
In reality, Liu Rumeng's heart wasn't as calm as her outward appearance. Facing these paparazzi, eager to uncover her thoughts, a strong sense of disgust and helplessness grew within her.
But these are all part of her husband Lin Huowang's plan. In order to better cooperate with his plan, Liu Rumeng naturally has to perform with all her strength.
After another round of intense flashes, Liu Rumeng raised her hand slightly, pressing it downwards, signalling silence. Her clear, graceful voice cut through the din, neither humble nor overbearing, with a touch of deliberately maintained distance: "Thank you, journalists, for your concern. I'm deeply grateful to Mr. Huo and Mr. Xiaolin for your kindness and support."
She paused, her eyes calmly scanning the countless pairs of eyes in front of her waiting for "explosive news", her tone sincere and firm: "But I really don't have any special thoughts about love at the moment. All my thoughts and efforts are focused on the upcoming Miss Hong Kong pageant. This month's training and the finals will be very important challenges for me. I just hope to focus on the competition, give my best, and strive for a good ranking. As for all other personal emotional issues..."
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